A Day in the Boots of a Lew’s Reliable Heat Technician
The alarm blares at 5:30 AM. While most of Mentor is still sleeping, I’m already up and preparing for another day of keeping our community warm and comfortable. That’s the life of a heating technician at Lew’s Reliable Heat, especially during the colder months when our services become not just important, but essential.
Morning Preparation (6:00 AM – 7:00 AM)
After a quick breakfast and coffee, I head to our headquarters to review the day’s schedule. Today looks busy with four appointments spread across Fairport Harbor, Painesville, Mentor, and Concord Township. Our dispatcher has organized the route efficiently to minimize travel time between locations.
I check my service van to ensure all necessary tools and replacement parts are stocked. Working in furnace repair means being prepared for anything from minor maintenance to complex system diagnostics.
First Call: Furnace Maintenance in Painesville (7:30 AM)
My first appointment is a seasonal maintenance check for a family in Painesville. Preventative maintenance is crucial before winter fully sets in. I:
- Check and replace the air filter
- Clean the blower assembly
- Inspect the heat exchanger for cracks
- Test the thermostat for accurate readings
- Lubricate moving parts to reduce friction
The homeowner is grateful for the thorough inspection, and I take time to explain how regular maintenance can extend their furnace’s lifespan and improve energy efficiency.
Second Call: Heating System Installation in Mentor (10:00 AM)
Next, I head to Mentor where a family has decided to upgrade their 15-year-old heating system. I meet with our installation team who arrived earlier to begin the process. Heater installation is a significant investment for homeowners, so we ensure everything is done right.
My role today involves:
- Reviewing the installation plan with the team
- Ensuring proper sizing for the home’s heating needs
- Supervising the connection of ductwork
- Testing the system after installation
- Walking the homeowners through operation of their new system
Lunch Break (1:00 PM)
I grab a quick lunch at a local deli in Mentor. This brief respite gives me time to check in with the office about any emergency calls that might have come in. Fortunately, today seems relatively calm.
Third Call: Emergency Furnace Repair in Fairport Harbor (2:00 PM)
After lunch, I head to an urgent call in Fairport Harbor. An elderly couple’s furnace stopped working overnight, and with temperatures dropping, this is our highest priority. Upon arrival, I quickly diagnose a failed ignitor and faulty limit switch.
I explain the issues to the homeowners and provide them with options. They choose to proceed with immediate repairs, relieved that they won’t have to endure another cold night. Within an hour, their system is running efficiently again.
Final Call: Furnace Replacement Consultation in Concord Township (4:00 PM)
My last appointment of the day is a consultation for a potential furnace replacement in Concord Township. The homeowners’ system is aging and becoming increasingly unreliable and inefficient.
I perform a thorough assessment of their current system and home heating needs, then discuss various replacement options, including:
- High-efficiency models that could reduce their utility bills
- Systems with improved air filtration for better indoor air quality
- Options with smart thermostats for better temperature control
- Financing options to make the investment more manageable
The homeowners appreciate the no-pressure approach and detailed information. They decide to review the proposal and get back to us within the week.
End of Day (6:00 PM)
Back at the office, I complete paperwork for the day’s service calls, update our customer database with notes from each visit, and prepare the van for tomorrow. Before heading home, I check in with our on-call technician who will handle any overnight emergencies.
What Makes It All Worthwhile
As I drive home, I reflect on today’s work. The grateful smile from the elderly couple in Fairport Harbor, the excitement of the family in Mentor with their new, efficient system, and the relief from our maintenance customer knowing they’re prepared for winter – these moments make the early mornings and occasionally challenging conditions worthwhile.
At Lew’s Reliable Heat, we’re not just fixing furnaces; we’re providing comfort and safety to our neighbors across Painesville, Mentor, Fairport Harbor, and Concord Township. Tomorrow will bring new challenges and opportunities to serve our community, and I’ll be ready with my tools and expertise when the alarm sounds at 5:30 AM.